"Out at the Park" is a sporting event with lots of Pride

"This year, the Padres are taking further historic steps forward."

The San Diego Padres have tried and succeeded in forming bonds with the local LGBT community and every year they and San Diego Pride continue to collaborate with “Out at the Park.”

This year’s event happens on Friday, April 27 at 7:10 pm when the Padres welcome the New York Mets to Petco Park.

In the past, this popular event has commemorated positive changes in the community such as the becoming the first MLB ballpark to have a gender-neutral, multi-stall restroom in 2017.

“This year, the Padres are taking further historic steps forward by having our Pride Youth Marching Band perform before the game, and by having our Military Department’s colorguard to present the colors. This is the type of LGBTQ progress that is possible when we work hand in hand with our partners,” said San Diego Pride Executive Director Fernando López.

Former Padres player Billy Bean, who is also openly gay, praises this year’s event for continuing in the tradition of inclusion in the sports world.

“I am so excited to attend OUT at the Park. Seeing the San Diego Padres and San Diego Pride work closely together to grow this event, and create such a powerful message of inclusion, acceptance, and community warms my heart,” said Vice President & Special Assistant to the Commissioner Billy Bean. “As a former Padres player, I wish I had been able to see this kind of unity, it would have changed my life and career.”

Each $25 ticket includes a seat in the “Out at the Park” section, an official San Diego Padres commemorative hat (to the first 1,500 tickets sold), a $5 donation to San Diego Pride or LGBT sports teams, and access to the pre-game VIP space in “Park at the Park.”

Guests who arrive early can enjoy a pre-game, family-friendly “Tailgate Party” happy hour event at the VIP space (food and drinks not included) with music by out lesbian DJ Kinky Loops.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the pre-game, family-friendly “Tailgate Party” happy hour event in our VIP space from 4:30 pm to 7 pm (food and drinks not included). The event is in conjunction with CocktailFest and features openly lesbian DJ Kinky Loops.